Musician Laptop+Interface Stand

I recently started getting into virtual synthesizers and hence needed a stand for a laptop computer and an audio interface. I couldn't find one I liked so I designed and built a box out of 1/4" plywood and a drum stand. It can all pack up nicely in a small rolling suitcase, though I don't pack the drum stand to speed up setup.

1. Electronics Mounting Stand - https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/electronics-mounting-stand/drum-set-adaptors-accessories
2. 1/4 in. x 2 ft. x 4 ft. Plywood Project Panel - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Handprint-1-4-in-x-2-ft-x-4-ft-Sande-Plywood-Project-Panel-103064/202093790
3. Quarter Round Molding to support inside corners - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Woodgrain-Millwork-WM-106-11-16-in-x-11-16-in-Solid-Pine-Quarter-Round-Molding-10000694/100321565
4. (4) #10-32 x 5/16 in Tee Nuts - https://www.homedepot.com/p/10-32-Zinc-Plated-Tee-Nut-4-Pack-802291/204274193
5. (4) #10-32 x 3/4 in. Round Head Machine Screw - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-10-32-x-3-4-in-Combo-Round-Head-Stainless-Steel-Machine-Screw-4-Pack-814411/204274807
6. (4) #10-32 Wing Nut - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-10-32-Zinc-Plated-Wing-Nut-4-Pack-828891/317478999
7. (4) #10-32 Machine Screw Nut - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-10-32-Zinc-Plated-Machine-Screw-Nut-12-Pieces-826331/317478809
8. (Optional) Washer to install Tee Nuts.
9. Drill/bits
10. Wood Glue
11. (Optional) Painters Tape
12. (Optional) Felt Pad to cover Tee Nuts
13. (Optional) 5.5 x 2.1 mm DC Power Jack Socket Threaded Female Panel Mount Connector Adapter for external power port - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SJM2G52

My goal was to make a box that mounted on a drum stand that could hold an audio interface, and to pack an expression pedal. The box top area should be able to hold the laptop. I created a prototype using foamboard. From the prototype I finalized the dimensions of the plywood pieces. In my case I needed two pieces 15"x12" for top and bottom, and two pieces, 2.5"x12", for the sides.

Cut the plywood to the required size. I was able to cut the plywood with a utility knife with several shallow cuts. Cut four pieces of quarter round to the depth of the box.

Glue quarter round to the sides of the top and bottom pieces of plywood. Inset from the ends by the plywood thickness. (I used scrap pieces so they are a little short.) Tape or clamp the quarter round until glue sets.

Glue and clamp the side pieces to the exposed side of quarter round.

Place box bottom up. Place mounting plate on bottom of box, centering mounting plate post. Trace around plate and its holes. Drill in holes for the Tee Nuts.

The head of the Tee Nut must be inside of the box so that it doesn't work its way out when attached to the stand. Tee Nuts have prongs that get embedded into the wood. The way I pushed the prongs into the wood was by putting a washer on a screw and tightening the screw so that the prongs get pulled into the wood. Remove the screw and repeat on the other Tee Nuts. Remove the washer from the screw; it is no longer needed.

To protect your equipment from being scratched by the Tee Nut heads, place thin adhesive-backed felt pads over the heads.

I wanted the ability to remove the mounting plates from the box using thumb screws. I made the thumb screws by locking a wing nut onto a screw with another nut, as shown.

Make sure that the screw length that you use does not extend beyond the plywood, into the bottom of the box, to avoid scratching the equipment.

To avoid having to reach into the box to turn off the audio interface, I created an external power port to disconnect power when not in use.

I bought "5.5 x 2.1 mm DC Power Jack Socket Threaded Female Panel Mount Connector Adapter with Dustproof Plug 6 Pack" on Amazon. You will need to solder the male and female wires together; use shrink tubing to protect from shorting.

Here are a few pictures of my setup. If this Instructable inspires you to make one, please let me know. I'd love to hear about it.

Have fun,

Barry